Champions League Heats Up as 2025-26 Season Reaches Crucial Qualifying Rounds

Champions League action is ramping up with the 2025-26 season in its final qualifying rounds. The new format remains front and center, with 36 teams set for the expanded league phase and each club playing eight matches against unique opponents come mid-September. In Italy, four teams have clinched Champions League qualification for this season—after Serie A clubs just missed out on the bonus fifth spot enjoyed last year—making the race in domestic play especially fierce as analysts from outlets like Football Italia point to squad rotation and squad depth as keys for success in the condensed fixture schedule. Milan, notably, did not make the cut, meaning U.S. star Christian Pulisic will be focusing on Serie A rather than Europe after a standout individual year last term, as highlighted by Fox Sports.

In Scotland, Rangers are battling Belgian side Club Brugge for a prized group-stage entry—Daily Record analysts this week debated whether European qualification is priority number one as the club continues its rebuild under new management. Meanwhile, the AFC Champions League Elite draws are in, with the first matches lining up for mid-September as well, bringing together powerhouse clubs from Shanghai, Saudi Arabia, Korea, and more, according to the AFC’s live draw coverage.

Key players to watch as the European season ignites include Barcelona’s Raphinha, who exploded for 34 goals and 25 assists last year, and Lamine Yamal, whose youth brilliance powered Barca’s quest for silverware and earned international acclaim; their eyes are locked on bringing Barcelona a long-awaited Champions League crown. The Premier League kicked off its new season with Liverpool facing Bournemouth in an emotional match broadcast by NBC Sports, setting the pace for a campaign packed with drama and title ambitions.

No major transfer bombshells have dropped in the last day, but speculation persists around late window moves, especially as squad needs become clear during these opening fixtures. For U.S. fans, Pulisic’s form is a priority watch leading to the 2026 World Cup. Asian football also gets a spotlight with Indian sides Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa set for group-stage action in the AFC Champions League Two as excitement builds across the continent. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates as football’s global calendar heats up.

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